Online dating can be a tricky business - but this guy certainly isn't doing himself any favours.

A post on the social network has gone viral after an Edinburgh woman's sister clicked 'hi' to a man on website Plenty of Fish.

The reply her sister got flabbergasted her so much, she had to share it.

Lusaidh Glenny wrote, "Ok, so my sister messaged someone on an online dating site (Plenty of Fish) just to say hi...and got this (apparently "on file") reply regarding his choice of not going for "older and overweight" women.

"What the actual f***?".

The message sent on dating website Plenty of Fish (Image: Daily Record)

The man, called just "L00kin16" sent what he called a 'stock reply' which he had drafted and saved for the many occasions when he was approached by women he considered to be too old (over 30) or too big (over a size 14/16).

He wrote: "I was specific with age because I would like to start a family one day and, to be honest, I think that the necessary time line before doing so is shortened/compressed with a lady over 30."

So that's the over 30s dealt with - next, 'big' women.

"I was also specific about weight as I have never been attracted to big women.

"However since moving to Scotland and going on POF I have learned that “average body type” is commonly held to be around a dress size 14/16.

"I had to Google this, but that dress size indicates a woman as being very over-weight and all likelihood medically obese."

If anyone was in any doubt about the stud's credentials, he is quick to point out his positives, "Without trying to sound big headed, I’m fairly good looking, I keep myself as fit as I can, I have a highly skilled job that I work very hard at and consequently earn well into 6 figures.

"This means I can afford to be quite prescriptive in my search and I absolutely don’t have to consider dating women who are over 30 and over weight."

But the piece de resistance lies in his PS, as this charmer adds, “I keep this response on file as I get quite a lot of messages from your cohort.

"There is obviously a large population of Scottish ladies who have clearly unrealistic opinion of their own appeal/attractiveness as potential partners.

The ladies are not happy

“I wish you all success in your search but would suggest that you lower your standards somewhat.”

The astonishingly arrogant thoughts of this man stud attracted some very colourful comments.

Eilidh O’Carroll wrote, “OMG. Good luck finding a partner basing your choices on finding someone worthy of matching your "fairly good looks" and physical capability of keeping fit, which I assume is for appearance purposes by the sounds of things.

"Also, I don't even know my own measurements, he needs to find a series to watch or something. Too much time on hands.”

A spokeswoman from Plenty of Fish said: "Every day, millions of singles turn to us to make connections and cultivate relationships.

"Upon learning of L00kin16 and his views on women, it was clear to us that he isn’t the “catch” he perceives himself to be, and shouldn’t be permitted to interact within our community.

"As a site that promotes positive interactions between our members and encourages them to inform us of any inappropriate behavior, we took action on October 3, 2016, and permanently removed his profile.